Gavin_

Braxus grins to himself as word reaches his ear.

Looking good m8

"From what I recall, this lad robbed like a common thief, the crown from my dead body and styled himself, Prince. Furthermore, he ran from an honor duel to the death, to quote him, against me. Yet here he is pretending he has a shred of honor about him.." Frederick grumbles as he reads this from the seven skies.

Left please

On this day the 14th of The Grand Harvest, 1615, Lord-Regent Augustus Severus Quintilius Roswell announces his resignation as the regent to the Principality of Evreux. By the authority of Lord Roswell and the Prince’s Council, Lord Arnaud Sylvestre Halcourt is hereby declared Lord-Regent of the Principality of Evreux until his Serene Highness, Prince Henry Richard comes of age. Signed, Lord-Regent Augustus Severus Quintilius Roswell Lord Arnaud Sylvestre Halcourt Count Frederick Staunton Baden

Declaration of the Principality of Evreux Par la Grȃce de Dieu I. Dissolution of the Crown of Courland A. Dissolution of her Crown and Titles On this, the tenth day of Snow’s Maiden, MDCXV, does His Majesty, Joseph I, King of Courland, Duke of Eastbourne, Courland, Eruthos, the Heartlands, Frederica, Cascadia, Count of Aleksandria, Riga, Westmark, Beauclair, Sundholt, Wett and Eastmark, Baron of Curonburg, Lord of Mt. St. Tobias, the Protector of the Heartlanders and Defender of the ‘True Faith’, does so decree the dissolution of the Kingdom of Courland, her titles, and her Crown. With the signing of this decree, does His Majesty, King Joseph I, abdicate his throne and removes the titles of ‘King of Courland’ from himself and his heir. The remaining titles shall pass to Prince Henry Richard, who shall be kept in regency by Lord-Regent Augustus Severus Roswell, and in guardianship by Count Jacques Halcourt de Vasile until such time he has come of age. B. Establishment of the Principality of Evreux With the abdication of the King, and the dissolution of the Kingdom of Courland, the lands once recognised as those held by the Kingdom of Courland do fall under the protection of the Prince-Regent Augustus Severus Roswell. These lands shall henceforth be established as the Principality of Evreux, with all associated titles, nobility, and citizenry being transferred under the authority of the Principality and her Lord-Regent. II. Hommage to the Imperium With the establishment of the Principality of Evreux, the Prince Henry Richard does give homage to the Emperor John V. Frederick Philip Horen, and shall swear fealty to him within a year of the signing of this document. III. Fealty to the Principality of Evreux With the establishment of the Principality of Evreux, does the Lord-Regent send missive to all men who held titles under the Kingdom of Courland. Those who held titles shall attend the Court of Alexandria to swear fealty to Prince Henry Richard. Those summoned are as follows: 1. The House Baden 2. The House Roswell 3. The House Halcourt 4. The House de Savin 5. The House Palaiologos 6. The House Merentel 7. The House de Castro 8. The House Alba 9. The House Mauntel 10. All Gentry 11. Any men who held titles in the Kingdom of Courland IV. Establishment of the Principalities Military With the dissolution of the Kingdom of Courland, the armed forces and gentry shall be transferred to the Principality of Evreux, where they shall be sworn and administered by the Lord-Regent. A. Recognition of Gentry within the Imperium All Gentry within the dissolved Kingdom of Courland are hereby recognised, and their stations maintained, by the Principality of Evreux so long as they swear fealty and pay homage to the Prince, Henry Richard. B. Oaths All Gentry within the dissolved Kingdom of Courland who are recognised by the Principality of Evreux, shall reaffirm their oaths to the Prince Henry Richard. Any who do not reaffirm their vows, shall have the titles and authority revoked. V. Governance of the Principality of Evreux The Principality of Evreux is hereby recognised as a subject of the Emperor John V Frederick, and under full Imperial jurisdiction. Prince Henry Richard, and his Prince-Regent shall abide by, and aid the Emperor, or his agents, in all services required of them, and to keep the peace of the Empire within their holdings. The routine governance of the Principality shall be administered by the Prince-Regent, and all appointed men within the Principality. By the Divine Guidance of God, Signed, Prince Henry Richard of the House of Staunton, Prince of Evreux, Duke of Eastbourne, Courland, Eruthos, the Heartlands, Frederica, Cascadia, Count of Aleksandria, Riga, Westmark, Beauclair, Sundholt, Wett and Eastmark, Baron of Curonburg, Lord of Mt. St. Tobias, the Protector of the Heartlanders and Defender of the ‘True Faith’ Lord-Regent Augustus Augustus Severus Quintilius Roswell His Imperial Majesty, John V Frederick of the House of Horen, by the Grace of God, Holy Orenian Emperor, Forever August, Apostolic King in Oren, of Renatus, Salvus, Seventis, Vandoria, Savoy, Aesterwald, and Telemar, Defender of the Faith, Supreme Protector of Mankind, Prince of Alstion, Duke of the Crownlands, Cascadia, Avar, Count of Johannesburg Alamar, Thesmer, and Thelen, and Sovereign of Humanity.

A Reflection 7th of The Grand Harvest, 1614 Preamble As I sit in Baden’s Hold, Trier, I am filled with sorrow. I know that, with methodical and lengthy reflection, what I write is wholeheartedly the best decision I could make at this moment in time. I shall cover two things within this letter. Firstly, my resignation as Arch-Chancellor. Finally, my plans for House Baden. Dear Joseph, It is with the heaviest of heart that I am submitting my resignation as Arch-Chancellor, effective from the time your eyes meet this letter. My last day will be today, the 7th of The Grand Harvest, 1614. The past few weeks have been a challenge for myself and your Privy Council. It has been a difficult time for me as I deliberated the direction of the Kingdom of Courland and whether it would be best to remain as Arch-Chancellor or to retire my role and life of political endeavor. This comes at a time when I feel an incompatibility with your newly appointed King’s Regent. I am assured that the transition of my position will be that of a smooth one and I doubt any troubles will arise from my departure. For your trust in me as Arch-Chancellor and your belief in me, I offer you my sincerest praise. My experience and time as Arch-Chancellor shall never be forgotten and I will reminisce fondly of my time spent at the head of your Privy Council. However, dear nephew, your Kingdom has fallen into disarray. No longer is Courland safe - not even for my family. Your presence has been at most, lingering and your brother’s Regency has completely undermined, insulted and out-right damned any progression that I could possibly contribute to your Kingdom. Lords of lower stature are appeased for the sake of keeping them ‘loyal’ yet those who are truly loyal to you are dismissed and taken for granted. You are the son of Tobias, my brother. I could never bear ill-will towards you nor our family yet for the sake of the protection of my sons and daughters, I must leave you and Courland in this great hour. This decision has not come easily nor have I deliberated on such, however, I must act as I see fit. I pray that no ill-will befalls you or House Staunton and I will always have your brothers sisters and wife on my mind yet it is time for House Baden to spread its wings - to depart. Signed, Your Uncle, Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden, Arch-Chancellor of Courland, Count of Trier.

"Many years ago, peace between our peoples was not possible. In more recent years, peace became a potentiality. A year ago, peace became an actuality for the first time in the lives of many. If even only for a brief amount of time - it was sweet." Remarks Frederick Staunton-Baden before emitting an audible sigh, reading over The Great Reconciliation Act, 1612.

"A disgrace." comments Frederick Staunton-Baden upon reading the document.

"What." murmurs Frederick.

"Rest in peace." utters Frederick Staunton-Baden.

"Oh Dear."

"What a load of bollocks" sighs Frederick Staunton-Baden, as his eyes roll to the back of his head.

A Meditation 11th of the Amber Cold, 1611 __________________________________________________ Preamble The hearth is temperate, emitting an audible flurry of crackling, amber embers. The gilded chandeliers adorned with candle lit flames gives the dining hall a secure sense of comfort and cosiness. Despite this apparent tranquillity, I recline in a state of perplexity. The uncertainty of the righteousness and justification of my previous actions, embedding a stomach-churning feeling deep within. It is within this state of perplexity, that I am forced to pen my thoughts concerning the matter to provide not only myself with clarity of thought, but my people with clarity of conscience. It is within the confines of Baden’s Hold that I do proceed. __________________________________________________ Introduction The man who pens this contemplation is none other than I, Frederick Staunton-Baden. I was the brother of a King, I am the Arch-Chancellor of his son, yet most recently, I am the harbinger of war. I write with a tone deprived of lament - no trace of it on my mind, nor sympathy for those declared enemies of my people as it is of their own doing. I do write with conviction however, having heard the rhetoric and sophistry of the so called ‘men’ who would insult my Kingdom, my House and myself. __________________________________________________ The False Pretense of an Empire Following the demise of the Kingdom Haense-Ruska, it was the victor, Courland who was declared an Empire. I will momentarily declare why this is a false claim with the sole aim of bringing the Kingdom of Courland into disrepute. I shall state objectively and without a trace of subjectivity, the transgressions of each Kingdom, starting with a list of offences by the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska; 1. The raiding of lands belonging to the Kingdom of Courland by a Baron of the Kingdom. 2. The murder of Meric Staunton, Lord Emissary of Courland whilst on a diplomatic mission at the court of his cousin, Marius, the former King of Haense. 3. The beheading of Duke Marna whilst in Karlsberg. 4. The kidnapping of the daughter of Duke de Savin. 5. The kidnapping of a Courlandic Princess. 6. The issuing of an Ultimatum. 7. A Declaration of War. Now, I shall list the transgressions of the Kingdom of Courland; 1. The raiding of lands belonging to the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska. 2. The execution of a Count of the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska. 3. Victory over the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska. I shall not delve into detail pertaining each item listed above. However, I do not believe that I must as it is quite clear who the blame for the demise of the Kingdom Haense-Ruska befalls. Despite offering amnesty and refuge to all of the North, we were branded as tyrants. Detestable! __________________________________________________ The Mardonian-Courlandic Conflict Whilst the Duchy of Mardon was under a regency, the regent at the time decided to take advantage of the situation by declaring their intent to betray and rebel from the Kingdom of Courland on the eve of battle with Haense. The Duchy of Mardon decided that when their liege most needed them, it was time for them to pursue their own interests. Unbeknownst to them at the time, it was Courland who Triumphed and it was Courland who would not forget this sickening treachery. Thusly, war ensued. The Kingdom of Courland however, decided to be merciful as it had been with the Kingdom of Haense-Ruska. One must recall the Mardon-Courland Treaty of 1607. Again, we were branded as tyrants. __________________________________________________ The moon now was at its peak, owls hooting, the flames from the Hearth beginning to dwindle - he rises. With a brief addition of Courlandic pine, and the stoking of the fire with Courlandic iron, its heat once more radiated and illuminated the dining hall. __________________________________________________ The Courlandic-Ruthern Conflict All one has to do is recall the Ruthern Restoration Act of 1604 for an example of the kindness, generosity and good-will shown to House Ruthern. This relationship would end when the House Ruthern, a Crown Vassal invaded a foreign Duchy within the Kingdom and annexed the County of Istria. This was declared an inexcusable, unjustifiable, illegal and illegitimate action. Thusly, the Crown issued, once more, generous terms to which they did not agree to, for accepting whichever terms you see fit does not complete the accord. We then summoned them to court and were met with, at the start, pleasantries. This good nature suddenly changed when I branded them as rebels and traitors for refusing to accept and comply with all of the terms - as it was declared would happen in the Royal Response to the Annexation. They then drew their weapons and aggressed upon their liege in his court - a boy died. To the death of this lad, I do not condone nor will I ever condone infanticide, however, this is the doing of his own men. The boy was caught up in the conflict and sadly perished. May he rest with GOD above. What I find utterly repulsive is the capitalisation of this tragic event by House Ruthern. They are disgracing the boys legacy by using his unfortunate death as propaganda for which to fuel and justify their lust for war. GOD will judge each and everyone of you according to your actions. To you rebels, we shall meet you on the battlefield. __________________________________________________ The Kingdom of Courland was founded on the principles of Liberty, Freedom and Truth. Yet when we are subjected to Subjugation, Slavery and Dishonesty, we must strike. Remember, it was us who took on the Empire and called upon the nations of the world to aid us in our conquest of tyranny. We cannot be tyrants for it is not in our nature to be so. As the birds once more begin to sing their morning song, I shall leave you - the GOOD people of Courland with a final remark. Ave Courland __________________________________________________ Signed, Prince Frederick Staunton-Baden, Arch-Chancellor of Courland, Count of Trier.

Frederick Staunton-Baden wonders if Lorraine, an ally of Courland will assist instead of Urguan.

"We made it mind-numbingly clear in our response to the illegal occupation of another Duchies County that the terms were to be met. We did not say that you could pick and choose which terms you wanted. We did not say that you could pick one or two, we asked generously that they accept all of the terms. All The Rutherens were losing out on was a mere 7,000 minas for their crimes. We gave them several opportunities to accept this offer and to move on from this event yet they refused. Thusly, the Crown acted as it said it would do when issuing the terms - branding House Ruthern as traitors and rebels to the Crown. They drew their blades in the Court of their liege - We will draw their blood." Remarks Frederick Staunton-Baden from Baden's Hold, his keep in Trier.

"Rest in peace." sighs Frederick Staunton-Baden, hearing about the death of the Courlandic loyalist.

"Righteous and Just." states Frederick Staunton-Baden.

Frederick Staunton-Baden chuckles.

Frederick Staunton-Baden narrows his eyes upon reading the finalised document. He bobs his head several times, certain now that his people will once again, be plunged into war. This time, against the dead.

"So much for the Canonist League." Frederick Staunton-Baden smiles.

courland pledges its support in the upcoming strife